By Eddah Waithaka
Dr. Jennifer Riria, the Group CEO of Echo Network Africa, today issued a powerful collective statement from Kenya’s women, condemning rising violence and education system failures while urging national unity and leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the Echo Network Africa Foundation, the African Women Leadership Network (Kenya Chapter), and The Democracy Trust Fund, Dr. Riria delivered a direct message to the nation’s leadership and citizens.
The statement decried the worsening security situation, highlighting the disproportionate suffering of women, children, and vulnerable groups. It specifically condemned the recent attack on worshippers in a church.
“Kenyans are angry, and so are the women,” read Dr. Riria. “Attacking a place of worship signals the deepest breakdown of decorum.”
The coalition demanded greater vigilance and sincere action from law enforcement and state agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence.
It also rebuked recent verbal attacks by legislators against government officials, insisting “dialogue must not just be a way but the only way.”
On education, the statement outlined deep concerns over the handling of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). It cited chaotic student placements, high costs, and inadequate infrastructure as crises making education inaccessible and worsening inequality.
“The education of our children is way too important to experiment with,” Dr. Riria stated, urging the government to consolidate bursaries and urgently address teacher training and infrastructure gaps.
The women commended grassroots efforts, like the women of Kiboi Market in Kisii who raised funds for an orphan’s education and police in Nandi County for similar kindness, calling for a revival of the “Harambee Spirit.”
A key demand welcomed the report of the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence led by Dr. Nancy Baraza. The coalition strongly supported its central recommendation: that the President proclaim GBV a national disaster.
“We urge H.E. the President to lead the war against GBV and personally champion a safe country for all Kenyans,” said Dr. Riria, pledging the women’s solid support in this fight.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the commitment of Kenyan women to create safe spaces, support national cohesion, and implement the GBV report’s recommendations.
It placed ultimate responsibility on national leadership, quoting President Harry Truman: “The Buck stops here.” “We conclude by reiterating that a safe and growing Kenya is good for all,” Dr. Riria declared.
